Flood Risks
Assessing flood risks
As part of implementing our Flood Management and Drainage Strategy, we have developed a Flood Risk Assessment Framework. The framework provides a clear process for reviewing flood risks and measuring the effect of flood risk management measures over time. It recognises the social impacts of floods, such as stress and disruption, and also assesses safety and economic factors. The framework sets out the method for developing a Flood Risk Matrix, identifying ‘intolerable’ flood risks that should be reduced or eliminated.
The framework was developed with input from RMIT University (who were commissioned to establish the criteria for defining ‘intolerable’ flood risk), The Klein Partnership (an independent market research company who undertook a social research study), councils and government agencies, and community members, including some at risk of flooding. It guides decisions and helps set priorities for managing areas at risk of flooding.
The Flood Risk Assessment Summary (PDF, 1.4mb) explains how the framework was developed, outlines its key features, and details how it is used to prioritise the management of flood risk.
Understanding flood risks
We work closely with local councils to ensure the latest overland flow paths are included in council planning schemes. This enables people who are considering purchasing, building or developing a property to understand that there may be special building requirements to manage the flood risk in a particular area.
To find out if a property you are interested in is affected by flooding see: Flood level information
Planning permit applications to develop on flood-prone land are referred to Melbourne Water from local councils. We assess applications on the basis of what impact a major flood would have on the development, and specify requirements to ensure new developments are protected from flooding. See: Planning scheme overlays
Increasing awareness of flood risks
In 2008 we entered a partnership with the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES). Our assistance enables VICSES to increase its community engagement capacity and improve its FloodSafe and StormSafe community education programs.
The Flood Management and Drainage Strategy recognised the importance of improved education, flood management plans and flood response plans in assisting the community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from floods.
It is important for the community to be aware of the risks of flooding, even in times of drought. Floods occur with little or no warning. Community education is essential to ensure that the public is prepared for and knows the appropriate responses to flooding.
We also work with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Department of Planning and Community Development to develop responses to the Victorian Coastal Strategy. The strategy examines the planning impacts of likely sea level rises as a result of climate change.
Downloads
You will need Adobe Acrobat to access the above PDF documents. 